Canon EOS 7D Review

Video

After the EOS 5D Mark II and the EOS 500D, the EOS 7D is now the third Canon DSLR to come with a video recording feature. Unlike the 500D though, the EOS 7D offers full manual control over shutter speed and aperture (the 5D Mark II did not offer manual control over video initially, but the feature was later implemented via a firmware update).

Despite the manual controls current DSLR video modes can in many areas not quite keep up with dedicated camcorders. On the other hand though, the ability to shoot movies with a large sensor (and the shallow depth of field that this brings with it) and interchangeable lenses will appeal to a large number of budding videographers.

Video specification

The 7D offers HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080P) at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second or 1280 x 720 pixels (720P) at 60 or 50 frames per second (and gives you therefore more options than the EOD 5D Mark II). The built-in internal microphone captures monaural audio. There is a socket for a 3.5mm external microphone that allows recording of stereo sound. There is also an option to cut the beginning and end of a movie in one second increments in the camera.

Using Movie Mode

For easier operation the EOS 7D features a dedicated switch to change from other shooting modes to movie mode. Then press the Start button to start/stop video recording. Still images can be taken at any time by pressing the shutter button. A half-press of the shutter button or a press of the AF-ON button will trigger the AF. AE lock is possible as well.

When the shooting mode is set to M you can adjust shutter speed and aperture via the control dials and also set the sensitivity manually. In all other modes exposure is controlled automatically.

On previous Canon DSLRs the movie mode sometimes left the impression of being a bit of a last-minute bolt-on. With the 7D and its dedicated movie switch/button Canon has got one step closer to a more seamless integration of the mode. Once you're used to the system it is now very quick and easy to switch between movies and stills.

Movie mode displays

Movie setting menu

You can choose between three output sizes. The frame rate options in this screen capture are for the NTSC setting.

Once recording has started, the red recording dot is displayed on the top right corner of the LCD. By half-pressing the shutter button during video recording you can display exposure information and ISO sensitivity.

Additional information can be displayed by pressing the Info button.

Video quality comments

We had no particular complaints about the 7D's video output. Like the 500D and 5D Mark II it produces very good high HD quality footage with fairly smooth motion even at the 1080p resolution. Just make sure your computer is powerful enough to play the large files, otherwise you can end up with a shaky playback experience at full screen. The EOS 7D uses an APS-C size sensor and therefore you can't quite create the same DOF effects as on the full-frame EOS 5D Mark II but you still get a much shallower, more cinematic depth of field than with any digital compact camera. Unlike the 5D Mark II when it was first released the 7D offers manual controls which allows you to better gear your settings towards the type of scene/motion that you are capturing (manual controls were later added to the 5D Mark II via a firmware update).

When recording video in low light and using higher sensitivities the image gets noisier. This is of course what you would expect, but the EOS 7D does quite well in this respect, and due to the smaller image sizes in video mode compared to stills the noise never becomes really intrusive. When capturing video in the lower resolution 720p mode we also noticed some jagged lines on diagonal edges which are probably caused by the video engine's downsizing algorithms. It's not a massive problem but if you plan on using the 7D's 50/60 fps 720p option you should be aware of it. The effect is not noticeable at the full 1080p resolution.

Like pretty much all other video-DSLRs the 7D can suffer from distortion caused by its rolling shutter. The readout of the sensor means horizontal lines of the image are scanned, one after another, rather than the whole scene being grabbed in one go. The upshot is that verticals can be skewed if the camera (or the subject) moves too fast - the top of the image has been recorded earlier than the bottom, so vertical lines can be rendered as diagonals. On the 7D this effect is, compared to some of the competition and presumably thanks to the Dual Digic 4 processing, pretty subtle. Transition from bright to dark scenes works pretty smoothly and quickly as well. There are no obvious exposure 'jumps' as the camera adjusts the gain and/or aperture.

Sample video 1

This video was shot in 1920x1080/25fps mode and shows a high-contrast scene. It records a screen-filling high quality image with smooth motion. Make sure your video card is powerful enough for watching these large video files. On slower machines the motion can appear jerky.

1920x1080, 25 fps .MOV file. 7 sec. 37.7 MB

Sample video 2

This video was also shot at 1920x1080/25fps.

1920x1080, 25 fps .MOV file. 6 sec. 37.6 MB

Sample video 3

This video was shot in 1920x1080/25fps and shows the video performance in lower, artificial light.

1920x1080, 25 fps .MOV file. 7 sec. 44.1 MB

Sample video 4

This video was shot in 1280x720/50fps. The higher frame rate creates smooth motion but if you look closely you'll find some jagged lines on diagonal edges which are probably caused by the downsizing of the captured image.

1280x720, 50 fps .MOV file. 7 sec. 22.5 MB

Sample video 5

This sample video shows the transition from a darker scene in the shade to one that is illuminated by bright sunlight.

I use a 7D as my main camera. I would consider myself to be an advanced learner and I've found this to be an easy camera to use. Study the handbook then go and play with the camera until you are well versed in the use of the control's. All you will be doing is gaining valuable experience. Get one, use it and enjoy it.

I have been looking to purchase this camera for some time now and have just read your review. In the pros and cons you state that it's no good for the beginner. What reasons is it not good ? I was combining an entry level spec to amature pro as my budget is limited and won't be able to get anything later.

I am looking at a gently used 7D now since my older 30D doesn't do well with any ISO over 400. The comments about being not sogood for beginners are a bit silly, I think. Get it if you can and go for it! That's what I am going to do.Cheers, Joel

Joel, I have a 30D, 40D and 7D. Reviewing some pictures I took a few years ago when I lived in the States ( Boston ), what struck me about a bunch of pics that I took with my trusty 30D at the Zoo there, was just how smooth and natural looking my pics looked taken at ISO 800, and even the ISO 1600 shots looked very decent indeed. Ideally I found that ISO 1250 or below gave me the best results, but 1600 on the 30D was very close to my 7D can output. Probably due to the far less crowded sensor. I think the colours on the 30D are my favourite of all my Canons. I also prefer the metering on the older Canons to the 7D`s fancy new system that tied in the metering to the focusing area and often ends up with eithir too dark, or too bright exposures, though I have learnt how to work around this. I did a test a while back and put my Canon 70-300 MM L lens on the 30D and the resolution and sharpness was amazing for an 8 MP camera.

I think what the reviewer meant that it is quite a complicated camera to learn fully, but of course you can pace yourself with this, and just learn as you go. There are so many options available on this camera, it takes a long time to fully learn them and get the best out of the camera. I would highly recommend the camera and it will last you a lifetime. To get the best out of it, try and get some really good lenses over time, as these you can keep forever. The premium L lenses are worth every penny, and if you ever trade up to a Full frame, you can bring the lenses along, so they are truly a lifetime investment. My best ever purchase was a second hand Canon 70-300 L 4- 5.6 lens. This is incredibly sharp with fantastic colour and contrast, as well as amazing focus abilities and tank like build quality.

Beginners stay as beginners during the few month, and whats after? They must change the equipment? Of course, not. Then if someone will buy Canon 7D, he will use it all period - from beginning to professional use...

Every years manufacturers creating new and new cameras, better and better cameras, but I think many old cameras will be more then enough for most photographers, especially if we talk about such truly professional camera as Canon 7D. Don't push ISO upper then 800 and stay happy. Fast, full magnesium, well made, enough MP, great VF, absolutely great colors, very large amount of optics from any manufacturer, even great cheapest optics and... today in China, for example, you can buy it for 450 USD in 97 (!!!) condition with less then 5000 shutter actuation. I am not big fun of Canon cameras, but 7D is really great camera!

"Don't push ISO upper then 800 and stay happy. " - kobakokhIf Apsofable is a beginner, then maybe Apsofable shouldn't be messing with the ISO in the first place. Just set AUTO-ISO and leave it there until you are no longer a beginner. I assume you can figure out how to update the BIOS. If not, then the DP forums will still be here.

yes of course. I specially used it last few days, took from my chinese friend, and its great, really. I have Nikon D700, its a better because of FF, but color is better from 7D, for example, and 7D is faster and more comfort for use, and has absolutely great AF system, made like tank, also its easy to use old different lenses with Canon then with Nikon, this is also some good side for many people. I always like top or near top cameras from any manufacturers. Ooh, i also compare image quality from 7d and newer 70D. from old 7D image quality is better! In 7D price on used market you can buy some new P&S camera, why? for what? with 7D every phtographger can work as true professional and develop[ own way fast and interesting. Also there is one great lens for APS-C system - Sigma 17-50/50 OS! With it 7D will be great choice for anyone. With OS there will be no need to push ISO more then 800 in most situations. And both of them possible to buy for 700 USD! Great choice for anyone, i think!

I was busy shooting today, battery full, CF card in the camera and everything went black? It will not switch on at all?Have checked the battery - put my spare in, also fully charged but still no luck?I was using studio lights - so does that effect the camera?

If you were using the PC Sync or hotshot to sync the flashes, they may have a trigger voltage beyond what the camera can handle. If that was the case they may have smoked your camera. There are companies that make trigger isolation units to protect the new modern cameras from the older strobes that use high voltage sync. Have your camera looked at by a repair shop or canon to determine if it is worth repairing.

I've been struggling to find the replacement for my 5 year old Canon 40D. The images from the 40D are excellent, but it is technically behind times.

When the 7D was first released, I bought one, but returned it because of what I perceived as sensor noise. Bad decision on my part! The camera was technically all my 40D is not. So, now that there are scant few left as the shelves clear for the 7D Mk II, I just ordered a brand new 7D (not Mk II) at a bargain basement price. I can't wait to revisit this incredible camera once again.

now, in June 2017 Canon 7D in mint condition with less then 2000 shutter evaluation cost 440 USD in China. Nikon D7100 is same condition cost about 485 USD. Both of them are grest cameras, I think. Nicon or CAnon users have here very good options for used cameras.

I bought this camera (body only) about 4 years ago with a 24-105mm f4 L IS USM lens. After using it for about 8 months, I compared it side by side with a co-worker's T2i (with various lens). In each case I noticed that the T2i had a sharper (cleaner) image. I was very disappointed. Tried the in-menu focus compensation... didn't work. Finally sent it back to Canon. They fixed it under warranty. It has been good ever since. I shoot mostly my kids at their sporting events... track n field, cross country and tennis. All outdoor sports, so about 2 years ago, I purchased the 70-300mm f4-5.6 L IS USM lens. Both lens work really well with the camera... very sharp results. I would say about 90 ~ 95% of the shots are keepers.

I think there was a lot of cutting and pasting in the review. They referred to the 15mp image files and the 18-55 kit lens when they meant the 18-135 kit lens as shown in the product photos and referred to in the intro.

I think that initially looking at the Canon 7D MK II’s specifications they might seem conservative, but as with the EOS 5D Mark III and the 1D X updates to these models were refined, with well measured features that met the needs of photographer in quality and reliability, rather than boasting headline hitting new technological advancements.

I love this camera/disappointed in Canon/customer support/service. The 1st 7d I purchased had a pixel issue. Seems to be notorious in Canon lenses. My 1st PowerShot S2 IS had a pixel issue. I didn't realize was present until camera was out of warranty-had to fight like a dog to get them to replace it. My 7d SAME issue, issue found after first test shots I took in the store downloaded! Didn't want the store to send it back only to send a "fixed lens" I returned it, bought anothernew 7d, but still a problem. Once again found a mo after warranty when a little bracket inside the lens was detached from inside, only 1 screw was holding it in place, there was supposed to be 2 this bracket keeps the extension within the lens. A quality control issue that went unnoticed during manufacturing according to the camera guy that had to fix it but it didn't matter the damage to the focus computer chip inside had already been damaged & Canon refuses to do a thing about it par for the course.

I've just switched from Nikon to Canon and am completely lost, I shoot birds in flight a lot and cannot get my head around how to engage burst on the 7D, can't get built in flash to "raise it's ugly head" also how to change menu settings. Wish Canon had stuck to more universal icons and menu.Despite all that was very impressed with fast focus on few single shots that I tookCould any one please help?

If you have a filter fitted to protect the lens try shooting without. After buying my 100-400 lens I returned to the shop after finding my images soft using a 7D. They tested my lens with a second one they had in the shop and agreed the first lens was faulty. When I got the second lens home I found it as poor as the first until I realized the second lens tested had not had a filter fitted when tested in the shop and I had transfered my filter to the second lens when I got home.Conclusion: I only use filters for effects and I have remove all my "protective filters" from my L lenses. Why spend hundreds of pounds on lenses just to add a piece of cheap glass on the front.

I am 7D user and have noticed that my images are considerably soft. I mostly use canon 100-400L lens. Initially I thought that its problem with the way I use camera. I tried all possible things. Searched lot and found many discussion about AF problem with 7D. Can someone share their experience?It seems 7D AF is not consistent although manual focus gives considerably crisp and sharp image.

I'm a wheelchair user and have gone for the 7D because of the increase in range when using a shorter lens over full frame which means though I often cannot get close I often achieve a useable image.

Live on the coast so to avoid problems re dust on the sensor from the beach I purchased a second one a few months back which says, I think, just how pleased I am with the product. Re low iso and noise, possibly because of high light levels from sea reflection and living in a flat open area I personally find no problems but using 2.8 lenses helps. Not professional but have had people use my stuff on their websites - so for my needs the 7D works well - Oh, and if like me you have poor dexterity you'll find the raised buttons really helpful even when wearing gloves.

My Review of the Canon 7d as the owner of one for 1yr is this.I shoot Professionally and have used the 7d for just about 1yr.It is a bit bigger,heavier than my other EOS Canon's.Picture quality is top of the line.Video quality is top of the line.The Grain Factor when using the ISO at a higher number is compensated by a setting in the Menu so no problem.At 8fps continuous it stands above the others.Weather proof as well (Body only).Recently my Canon 7d was knocked over while mounted atop a 6ft tripod landing on solid asphalt.A little scratch on the body was all the damage it received.Though bigger and heavier the construction,function,image quality of this Camera is incredible.I shoot Landscape,Portrait,sports(MMA Fights) and everything in between.Canon went above and beyond with this model.A+ is the grade I give for this one.

Which one is a better model 70d or 7d , I have read numerous reviews and seen plenty of videos, even though 70d is a much newer version I would like to know from some one who has used them side by side.

I think both are great, depends on your needs, the 7D is like a tank, the build quality is incredible, its AF is phenomenal (a cut above the 70D in terms of customization options), the 70D has slight advantage 2/3 of a stop at higher iso's, has wifi and touchscreen, the 7D has bigger and better OVF, and the 70D have awesome video capabilities. I played with both and went for the 7D (easy choice), the 70D felt like a toy and I didnt like the plasticky feel (compared to the 7D). Bit both are great, you'll enjoy either depending on your needs.

It depends on what you want to do. I use it up to ISO 6400 for street photography, and it's noisy but it adds to the mood of any photo I'd take at such a sensitivity. (Generally, silouettes at night, low key portraits...)For a more general use, I'd say ISO 1600 with a good exposure is useable.

Checked your photos at photobycarlos.com. Really it was awesome :) Finally I decided to go for 7D after saw your website. Tnx !!!please suggest me some good lenses which are more better for portrait & landscape shooting

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